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Namaste/Vanakkam:
This month is another one with many activities and memories. Typically graduates at all levels of education are celebrating graduation in their own joyful traditional ways. Graduates of 2020 will remember their graduation with the COVID-19 pandemic imprinted on it. There will be a different twist to this event as we move forward. As I have tried to work on diversifying the content of this newsletter, one of the 2020 graduates shares her thoughts with us later on.
The State of Hawaii celebrated Kamehameha Day on June 11th. It is the day marked to celebrate the Great King Kamehameha unifying all the territories that now make up the State. From the LOTUS perspective there is our own mini history to remember. Several years ago it is also the day the original Healing Stones of Wahiawa around which this organization was formed were removed from their long designated location on California Ave to a still undisclosed location. For many in our community, the fading pictures in the current temple walls are the only memory of those.
 
Undated Photo of Healing Stone from the Website Oahu.Sites in comparison to Photo from May 17,2020 taken by Dr. Dharm Bhawuk
LOTUS joins the community in mourning the loss of long time Hawaii resident of Indian descent, Gulab Watumull. He will be remembered as a wonderful individual who was frank and honest. The Watumull Foundation managed by the family is philanthropic and supports many South East Asian cultural activities in our community. They also consistently support students from the same region pursuing higher education in Hawaii. They have also monetarily supported LOTUS in the past.
Hawaii continues to enforce several restrictions to handle the current pandemic. There have been some easing to allow for social gatherings in a controlled and limited situation. The threat of infections to the individuals remains as restrictions are eased. We can expect to predictably see an uptick of infections. Please continue to exercise extreme vigilance with avoiding crowded areas and confined spaces with many people, face mask and hand sanitizer use.
We will do our regular Pooja at the temple on the 3rd Sunday of this month (June 21st). We have practiced restraint within our community in avoiding congregating for this monthly pooja. We would welcome devotees to attend this month with the following caveats. If you have any form of illness, please stay away during the peak time of the pooja - noon to 2.30 p.m. No more than 15 people in the pedestal/tent area at any given time. People singing Bhajan should be masked and maintain adequate physical distancing from others. Others may congregate with appropriate physical distancing on the side of the road and in front of the temple. If enough people bring food to share, we will go to the adjacent park for having lunch. At the park, just follow appropriate distancing guidelines. Be prepared to sign your name and contact information when you come at the peak time so as to have this information available for contact tracing if necessary.
June 21st also happens to be the longest day of the year and you can expect it to be very hot in Wahiawa. It is also the International Yoga day - allowing us some impetus to practice mindfulness and wholesomeness. It will also be the day many Dads across the world will be remembered and celebrated by their families on this Western initiated tradition of Father's Day.
Stay safe and Healthy as we get ready to turn the page on the half year mark of this year.
Warm aloha,
Venkataraman Balaraman
President
Graduate Corner:
Siya Kumar, 2020 graduate of Punahou High School shares some thoughts with us in this short write up.
Many children reminisce over their childhood with memories of time at the playground, visits to the beach, and bedtime stories before bed. But as an Indian-American, my childhood memories consisted of so much more. I grew up around large poojas, Diwali dance practices, and festivals like Holi after visits to the temple. As cliche as the American-born confused desi (ABCD) stereotype may be, it rings true for many of us brown children. Growing up in an environment with differing traditions and values around people who aren’t familiar with your culture or background can make it difficult to truly find your identity and assimilate. But no matter how much I felt like I didn’t fit in, the Indian community was always there to support me and my family. Whether I was stuffing my plate with food made by my favorite aunties, watching adults play antakshari, or dancing to Bollywood music in someone’s living room, gathering with others in the community filled me with a sense of belonging and love. But it was much deeper than just entertainment. We gather to celebrate achievements, practice cultural traditions, and support each other when in need. Through events sponsored by Lotus and hospitable individuals, I learned how to practice my culture and understand my religion.
As a senior in high school, the sad reality of Covid-19 prevented my class from having a graduation ceremony that many looked forward to, but the wishes and blessings I received were heartwarming. The actions of the community helped me to understand what it truly means to be an Indian- showing kindness, love, and acceptance to all individuals that come our way. The virtues of Ahimsa, hospitality, respect and compassion shine through every individual I’ve had the opportunity to meet. By taking me in and allowing me to embrace my full identity, the Indian community has become a second family to me.
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